Volkswagen says it has begun deliveries in Europe of its electric commercial vans, the e-Transporter and e-Caravelle, timed to coincide with the 75th birthday of the Volkswagen Bulli – also known as the Transporter, Kombi, or Microbus, depending on body type.
The new generation of Transporter and Caravelle consists of 13 body variants and three different drive systems – turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric. This also marks the start of three product lines, consisting of the Transporter/Caravelle, Multivan/California, and ID. Buzz/ID. Buzz Cargo.
Available as either the commercial e-Transporter or family passenger van e-Caravelle, a 64kWh battery powers the rear-wheel-drive van, available with output of 100kW (136PS), 160kW (218PS), and 210kW (286PS). A less powerful 85kW (115PS) variant is available for the e-Transporter only.
The plug-in hybrid drive variant comes with a CVT automatic gearbox and front-wheel-drive, delivering system power of 171kW (232PS).
Image Credit: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Image Credit: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
All models of the Transporter can be configured as either a panel van, Kombi, and dropside and, depending on the version, offers two wheelbases and two roof heights. The Caravelle will also be available with two wheelbases, but just the one roof height.
In the base version, both the Transporter and Caravelle measure 5,050mm long, 2,032mm wide, and a height of 1,984mm – though these figures vary depending on exactly which wheelbase, variant, and option chosen.
Image Credit: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Image Credit: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
A range of equipment now comes as standard including various safety features and driving aids, a 13-inch infotainment system, multifunction steering wheel, LED taillight clusters, and more.
Pricing varies between countries in Europe, but in Germany, the all-electric e-Transporter starts from €46,213, and €46,453 for the plug-in hybrid. The base price for the e-Caravelle in Germany sits at €55,480, with a plug-in hybrid version to be launched in 2026.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.